Telephone-exchange system.



E. E. CLEMENT.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED we. a, 1906.

1,023,480, Patented Apr. 16, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

o @JUi m use:

E. E. ELEMENT. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 8, 1906 Patented Apr. 16, 1912.

4 SHBETS-SHEET 2.

wa hwoaoa E. E. CLEMENT. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLIOAT ION FILED AUG. 3, 1906.

Patented Apr. 16, 1912.

4 SHEETSS HEP-T 3.

Witncaaca E. E CLEMENT. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED 11116.3, IQWL Patented Apr. 16, 1912.

4 SHEETS SHEET 4,

UNITED STATES PATIENT OFFICE.

EDWARD E. CLEMENT, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

TELEPHONE-EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD E. CLEMENT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Telephone Exchange Systems, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

My invention relates to telephone exchange systems, and particularly to semiautomatic systems. I

It ,has for its object to enable an operator to make connections in such systems with certainty and ease as well as celerity, at the same time making a permanent record thereof which may be used for other purposes.

Briefly outlined, my present invention comprises an operators sending machine or controller for automatic switches or equivalent devices having as its distinguishing characteristic feature a set of punches by.

which perforations are produced in a paper roll or card corresponding in their arrangement to the number or connection desired. This paper or card is fed under contact springs after being punched and by making and breaking the contacts between these springs and a platen sends the proper impulses of current through the controlling circuits to produce the desired result.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 and Fig. 2 are connected diagrams showing in its entirety a talking connection at a central ofiice. Figs. 3 and 4- are connected diagrams showing the operators sender and circuits. Fig. 5 is a detail sec tion of a portion of the sender.

Referring to the drawings, I will first 1 lwlrc i. :frotn lll( conductor t) to ground.

briefly describe Figs. 1 and 2, since these show a conventional type of circuits and apparatus which in itself forms no part of bridgu the battery.

ables rurrcnt to be supplied for both talkthe present invention, except as to those parts of the cord circuit which are designed to connect with the improved opcrator s cir cuits.

In Fig. l, A is a subscriber-s slzition. fitted with the usual common battery l'll(' phone set. From this substation line \\'lro-- l and 2 lead to the central ollicc. terminaling on the contacts of i1 cut-oil relay X.

normally connecting them to the line signal Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 3, 1906.

Patented Apr. 16, 1912.

Serial No. 329,114.

relay N and battery on one side and to ground on the other. Line extensions 3 and 4 go to the answering jack J, and are multi pled at 5 and 6 to the calling or connecting terminals j in the switch banks of the automatic switches to which I shall presently refer.

J is a multiple terminal of the trunk 19 20 leading to a selector switch S, of the type shown in Letters Patent 815,321, to Keith and Erickson, dated March 13, 1906. This jack and its multiples all have triple contacts, the sleeve or test thimble being grounded through a proper resistance for both test and control purposes. The selector switch coacts in making connections, with a number of connector switches, one of which is indicated at S in Fig. 2. This is of the type shown in Letters Patent 815,176, to Keith and Erickson, March 13, 1906. By means of the double set of switches thus indicated in the drawing, selection may be made of any one of a'thousand subscribers and his line connected with the calling line. I have not deemed it necessary to show more than this, although the addition of one more selector switch would carry the system to ten thousand. Such extension is well understood in the art and is within the skill of any well informed automatic telephone engineer.

To contact the jack J of any calling line with the jack J of a trunk to a selector switch, I provide operators lugs PP', in pairs connected by the con uctors 9-17, 10--18, the cords being conductivcly severed Bridged across the answering cud, l}-1(J, of each cord are the relays It, h, with the main battery B between them. That is the sleeve relay R is conne ted from conductor 10 to battery while the tip relay R is connected As the positive side of thc batter) is grounded this This connection ening and signaling over the sub cribers line. and also to the rzut-oll relay i\' over a portion of the talking circuit.

The operator-s telephone set is shown at (l. hai ing a triple wound induction coil, the upper coil or secondary being bridged across the ow conductors Q it) by relay It when the answering plug is inserted in a jack,

the primary or middle coil going to the transmitter circuit, and the lower or tertiary coil being connected by relaynR' for test. to the tip of the calling plug P, under normal conditions of disuse.

I will now pass to Figs. 3, 4, and 5. Fig. 4 showsthe punching apparatus and paper roll or tape, while F 1g. 3 shows the circuits and. apparatus whereby this roll when punched is made to affect the switches through the cord circuit of Fig. 1. Referring rst to Fig. 4, C indicates the pa er working machamsm, comprising the punc es a, normally pressed upwardl by springs;

the supporting plate a for tom; the dieplate 0 having holes beneath all the punches and supporting the paper a as it comes from the roll C; the contact springs a a, secured to but insulated from the platen a and normally tending to touch the same to complete their respective circuits; and suitable supporting means for all these, not shown. These figures of necessity are diagrammaticin their character, but all the mechanical connections not forming part of the invention are presupposed in this description. In Fig. 3 the paper 0 is shown coming from the platen c and passing over a feed roll C havin friction rolls 0. This feed roll may be riven in any suitable manner, but is shown as connected through a shaft on the dotted line mi to the electric motor M, which also carries the commutator disk m for cut-off pur 30595. Instead of this electric motor for eac paper outfit, where there are several operators, I contemplate the employment of one motor with clutches for the rolls C and disks m, controlled by electromagnets in the circuits 32, 34, of the motor M, each clutch controlled by its own disk m, but the one motor running constantly or as long as any paper mechanism is in use.

Passing up from the cord conductors 1718 of Fig. 1 are two wires 15-16 which I may call the rotary and the vertical wires, since they carry the current impulses usually so called in the automatic art. These wires are controlled as to their continuity jointly by the key K and the relay R and separately by the relays R and R \Vire 1:) passes to contacts of relay R, from which wire 21 passes to contacts of relay R, from which wire 27 passes to battery. \Virc 16 passes to contacts of relay R, from which wire .22 passes to contacts of relay It, from which wire 24 passes to the middle spring of Fig. t.

hclay R is connected by wire 25 lo the spring a of Fig. 4. Relay R is conncrtcd by wire 23 to the spring .3 Each of those relays directly controlled by illf' paper and springs, therefore.

0 is a starting button for the in tiator.

It is associated with the buttons 0 of the punch set, although it is shown in Fig. '3. This button C when depressed energizes the starting relay R to close the motor circuit, this relay thereafter remaining energized through the disk 121, until the latter has inade one revolution. A lamp is as sociated with this button to indicate to the operator that the transmitter is in use, and to show when it again becomes free. The lamp takes current from the disk 11:, during the single revolution referred to.

In order to permit the operator to correct a mistake, and to unch the correct number before transmitting, I provide the disabling or dummy starting key C. This closes the motor circuit, and thatof the relay R, which breaks both wires 15 and 16, so that for one revolution the paper a is drawn forward but no impulses get upon the wires. A guard lamp is also rovided for this button or key, being pre erably a red lamp on the same circuit as the relay R, so that it will burn while the false length of tape is being drawn forward, and will then go out.

Before giving the operation of this system, I should explain that only five punches a are shown in each set, and three sets. In a full operative machine there are ten punches in each set, and there are as many sets as there are digits or separate numerals to be called. Thus to call up to one thousand, nine, nine, nine, is the limit, for which three sets of ten punches each are sullicient. To call up to ten thousand, nine, nine, nine, nine, is the limit, and if selective ringing is to be practiced I may use an additional set for that. With the outfit actually as shown in Fig. 4 the highest number that can be punched is five, five, five. I have thus reduced the number of buttons to simplify the drawing.

In operation, suppose the subscriber A calls by taking down his receiver: line lamp n lights, the operator plugs in with P, and relays R and R pull up, with the cut-off relay N. The line is then on the cord conductors 9l0 and through wires 11-12 to circuit 8 of the operators telephone 0. Having ascertained the number wanted, and that it can be reached, we will assume, through the trunk l920, the operator tests the jack J with the tip of her plug P, and finding it idle, plugs in. Relay R pulls up, cutting otl relay It, which cuts oil the operator's telephone from the answering cord 9-10, and at the same time cutting off the tertiary or test winding, from the tip conductor 17. The operator (hen dcprcsses the Lwo-stcp-cscapepicnl key K to connect her wircs l5-l 3 to the cord, and up the number by pressing down thoappropriate r ii l punches 0'. As shown in 1 1g. a, the number punched is 431. If this is the right number, the operator then pushes down the button C of Fig. 3, which closes the circuit of the relay R as follows: B27-35---3(%31 R and ground to ll. The relaypi'ills up, closing the motor circuit as follows: B--32-- 34-33--ll The motor then starts to turn and turns with it the shaft in and the feed roll C as well as the disk in. The latter at once takes control of the circuit of relay R as follows: B-27-28'-'. /il7l-2l-3l R -B. The operator may then release the key C which is only required to close the circuit of relay R long enough to start. the motor. This continues for one revolution of in, during which the feed roll C is supposed to draw the paper tape a forward enough to pass the three sets of perforations already prepared. under the springs c"'*o c. As the middle set. 0", pass mder pen they permit the latter to touch the platen at intervals. closing the following circuit: B40c c .24 92 --l6l7(Fig. 1) P'J'--19-- and so to the vertical relay of switch S and to ground, hack to battery.

As soon as four of these impulses have been transmitted over the path traced, the hole comes under the pen 0", closing the following circuit: ll--l(l-c-c" 25-R- ground to ll. R thereupon pulls up promptly before another impulse comes on wire 16. and disconnects the wires 22 and 2-1, at the same time locking itself through the hack contact of relay R. Only four inipulses can go over wire 16, therefore, until this locking circuit is unlocked. and the switch S of Fig. 2 is therefore stepped up to the fourth row of contacts j j and stops there. As the paper tape passes on, the hole w" finally comes under spring pen 0, and closes the following circuit: B-40-c-rr" .M R and ground to B. R, pulls up its armature, breaks the locking circuit of relay R. which thereupon lets go its armature, and at the same time a rotary impulse is sent to wire 15 as follows: B(Fig. 3)--2T 21* l518(l*ig. l)-P'-J'Qt) and so to the rotary relay in switch S of Fig. 2. which thereupon steps around the side switch one step and shifts the control of the switch from the vertical to the rotary magnet, preparing the switch for rotary movement, which is automatically made to find a trunk. The relay R now being back, the

impulses from spring 0 come again onto wire 16 and to the trunk wire 19.. allecting the vertical relay. ofthe switch S, whose trunk has been selected as idle liy switch 9. This is a connector switch. and its spindle 8 goes up to the desired row. whichl is the third, since the hole c punched in' ihe sec- 0nd set. on the tape is just after the third of the holes r". As soon as hole reac es the spring pen 0", relay R is pulled up,as

before. and a rotary impulse comes on wire 15. This impulse passes all the way to switch 8', and works its rotary relay, which shifts the side switch and puts on the rotary magnet so that the last set. of impulses will select the contact wanted in the row already selccted. The same rotary impulse by energizing relay again unlocks R and prepares for the last set. of impulses. These come in order and in the same manner as those already described. It happens that the number is one, and this steps the arms a of the switch S around to'the first contact in the third row. which is connected to line 431. desired. The hole c of the last set again has locked relay R and has cut. off the wire 16; and the last rotary impulse coming through hole c again energizes relay R to unlock relay R. The passing of the last hole 0- of the set completes the transmitting cycle and at that time the disk m comes to the end of its revolution, the spring pen m passes onto the. insulating spot m the circuit of the motor M is thus broken by relay R", and the paper and all come to a rest. The lamp associated with key C" glows by reason of current in the following circuit: l3-2T2Q -m-m2l)--30 lamp ground to ll. \Vhen disk he. breaks this circuit the lamp goes out.

\Vhen current first comes on wire it. passesto wire 239 and so to the magnet of the key K, which takes one step by swinging its armature lever so as to let the button move up half way. "hen the disk in finally breaks the circuit to the battery for the wire 29, the magnet of the key loses current and the button takes the secom halfofits step so as to cut oil the operators sending circuit 1:'i16 from the cord entirely. The same circuit li it; may thus extend to a number of cord circuits, having a key K for each. The time of sending three sets of impulses as described is only about three seconds, or four sets in four seconds. The key (7 never depressed except when a wrong number has been punched.

\Vhile this application relates primarily to a telephone system. in which the actuating impulses for automatic switches are sent by means of the sending device herein described, it is obvious that the same sending device might be used advantageously for other purposes. I wish it understood therefore that I contenn'ilate any use of this send' ing device which is equivalent to that described herein. and which falls fairly within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention. what I claim and (lesii to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a. telephone exchange system, a plurality of lines to be connected, central otlice automatic switching apparatus fonconnccting the same, a body containing a permanent set of perforations adapted to Work the switching apparatus to the highest number possible of selection, and means for producing modifying perforations in said body corresponding with any particular number wanted, substantially as described.

2. In a telephone system, the combination of automatic switching. apparatus and controlling means comprising a body partially perforated for selective purposes, means controllable by an operator to complete the perforations to select any desired number, contacts controllable by the perforated body and connected in the switching circuits, and a motor for producing relative motion between the body and contacts, substantially as described.

3. In a telephone exchange system, line circuits terminating at a central oftice, automatic switching apparatus at the central otiice for interconnecting the lines, and controlling apparatus for the switches also at: the central otlice and comprising the following instrnmentalities: a perforated body, cooperating contacts and a suitable motor for prcducing relative motion therebetween, and means controlled by an operator for varying the perforations in the body in accordance with the number to be selected, substantially as described.

4. In a telephone system, a plurality of telephone lines to'be connected, automatic switches for connecting said lines, and controllin means for said automatic switches comprlsing contact devices and a perforated tape, together with punching means con trolled by an operator for mmlilying'the perforations in the tape according to the number to be selected, substantially as described.

5. In a telephone system. a plurality ot telephone lines to be connected, automatic switches for connecting said lines, controlling means for said automatic switches comprising contact devices and a perforated tape, a locking key for connecting said controlling means to said switches, and automatic unlocking means for said key.

6. In a. telephone system, a plurality of telephone lines to be connected, automatic switches for connecting said lines, controlling means for said automatic switches comprising contact devices and a 1wrt'oratrd tape, and means for connecting said controlling means to said automatic switches during the interval required to control the automatic switghes to connect with a desired line.

7. In a telephone system, a plurality of telephone lines to be connected, automatic switches for connecting said lines, and requiring a plurality of complete transmitted signals of. controlto effect the connection of a calling Line with a selected line, a tape perforated in consecutive digital signalunits, and means for transmitting impulses through the perforations ofsaid tape to said automatic switches in required groups of signal-units, each corresponding to one digit of the complete number.

8. In a telephone system, a lurality of telephone lines to be connected? automatic switches for connecting said lines, and requiring a plurality of complete transmitted signals of control to effect the connection of acalling line with a selected line, controlling means for said automatic switches consisting of a contact-makin device and a control tape perforated in consecutive digital signalunits, and further. means for passing said tape through said contact-making device intermittently in steps, each step comprisin a group of signal-units, and each adapted to produce one step of the automatic switches to select one digit of the complete number wanted.

9. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of lines to be connected, a plurality of automatic switches for interconnecting them, and controlling means for the switches comprising the following instrumentalities: contacts connected to the switches, a platen common to said contacts, a paper tape and a. motor adapted to feed the same over the platen and under the contacts, and a set of operators keys adapted when depressed to produce perforations in the tape corresponding to the numbers to be selected, together with means controlled by the operator for start ing the motor mechanism and consequent movement of the tape under the contacts, whereby a number may be set up or punched and the switches thereafter caused to select the corresponding line, substantially as described.

It). In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of lines to be connectedpa plurality of automatic switches for connecting them, and controlling means for the switches comprising the following instrunientalities: contacts, a paper tapi-and motor mechanism adapted to feed the same under thecontacts, cpcrators setcctirc puuchcs for perforating the tape in accordance with the number to be selected. and means for connecting said contacts to the switch circuits when a connection is to be made, and for disconnecting the contactsltltcrtfrotn when a connection is mmplctml. substantially as described.

l t. In a, telephone exchange system, a pinrality of lin s to be connected, a plurality of automatic so itcbes for connecting them, and controlling means for the switches compris ing the following i'nstrumentalitics: contacts, a paper tape and motor mechanism adapted to feed the same under the ontacts, opcrators selective punches i'or perforating the tape in accordance with the number to be selected, means for connecting the tape tooperate the switches, and means fol-automatically disconnecting the same after the line connection has been established by the switches substantially as described.

12. An electrical system of intercommunication com rising a plurality of lines, automatic switc es for interconnecting the same, and controlling means for the swltehes com- :0 ssising a perforated tape, contacts controlled thereby, and means for bringing said contacts into temporary connection with the switches when the same are to be actuated, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature 15 in presence of twowitnesses.

EDWARD E. CLEMENT.

Witnesses:

E. EDMONSTON, J r.,

G. E. RUFF. 

